North Carolina DMV Practice Test

To avoid being hit in the rear by another vehicle, what should you do?

1. Check your rear view mirrors often

2. Accelerate quickly

3. Use your hazard lights frequently

4. Drive in the middle of the lane

The correct answer is: Check your rear view mirrors often

Checking your rear view mirrors often is crucial for maintaining awareness of the traffic around you. By doing so, you can monitor vehicles behind you and anticipate their actions, enabling you to make informed decisions. This practice helps you gauge your following distance and adjusts your speed when necessary to avoid sudden stops that could lead to a rear-end collision. Being aware of your surroundings is a fundamental aspect of defensive driving, which emphasizes proactive measures to prevent accidents. While accelerating quickly could provide temporary distance from a vehicle behind you, it may also increase the chance of losing control or not being able to react appropriately to sudden changes in traffic. Using hazard lights is generally meant for indicating a problem, not for regular usage while driving. Additionally, driving in the middle of the lane may not effectively address the risk of being hit in the rear, as proper lane positioning does not influence vehicles' approach from behind. Therefore, consistently checking your mirrors helps maintain safety and awareness on the road.